Source: CBR
In his weekly column over at Comic Book Resources, Axel graciously answers fan questions on a weekly basis. Here's portion of this weeks Q&A. Click the link underneath the banner to read the full and original transcript.
A fan asked if the 616-universe would become as diverse as the Ultimate universe:
Alonso:
"If you check our record, Elflore, I think you'll see our commitment to diversity is apparent across the line, and has been for some time. Black Panther has anchored a monthly title on and off for the past 8 years, and is certain to be back in the mix in 2012, Luke Cage has been a central character in [Brian] Bendis' Avengers, and Shang Chi's role in "Spider-Island" is a taste of things to come -- and those are just three characters off the top of my head.
It's not like we've stopped trying, either. Besides Miles Morales in the Ultimate Universe, we've introduced a wide variety of multicultural characters in the Marvel Universe: the super-powered bounty hunter team, the Zapata Brothers, from "Moon Knight" and "Deadpool Team-Up"; Reptil from "Avengers Academy"; Coldmoon and Dragonfire from "Point One"; Raizo Todo from "Fear Itself: Hulk"; and "Battle Scar's" Sergeant Marcus Johnson, who is a character you'll definitely want to keep your eye on -- I mean, eyes. Also, Striker just came out of the closet in "Avengers Academy," and Wiccan and Hulkling continue to play a huge role in "Young Avengers/Avengers: Children's Crusade." I feel like I'm just getting started."
Another fan pointed out that many female Marvel heroes are simply derivatives of already established male heroes and asked whether Marvel is developing any original female heroes:
Alonso:
"Creating any character with the intention of having them anchor an ongoing title is probably the fastest way for them not to catch on, Sv7nd. That said, a strong female character needn't have roots in a male character, but any new character benefits from a high-profile launching pad. It's not a surprise that some of our strongest female characters are our X-Women, none of whom are rooted in a male character, but all of whom reflect the paradigm -- Jean Grey is, hands down, the character we get the most fan mail about, even though it's been years since we last saw her, Storm is one of the most popular X-Men period. And I'm betting Kitty Pryde, who made a huge comeback in Joss Whedon's "Astonishing X-Men" is going to have a great year in 2012.
In the broader Marvel Universe, there are so many standouts over the years: Black Widow, the Wasp, the Scarlet Witch -- Ms. Marvel, too, unless you deem her too derivative. And there's a lot of interest in Veil from "Avengers Academy" and, of course, red-haired, green-eyed Hope, from "Uncanny X-Men" and "Generation Hope." And then there's Lady Hit-Monkey -- I keed."
A different fan asked whether Marvel might reunite the Midnight Sons:
Alonso:
"The Midnight Sons come up in discussion from time to time, but there is nothing imminent on the horizon. I know of at least one super-high-profile creator who'd love to take them for a ride, though -- are you listening? Maybe sometime down the road?"
The last fan question was whether Marvel will continue their "Forever" line:
Alonso:
"There are no current plans for more "Forever" titles, ian33407. It all comes down to math."
There are a lot more fan questions answered by Axel so be sure to head over to CBR. Also, Axel provided tons of exclusive preview art for "New Avengers" #20", "Battle Scars" #2, "The Punisher" #6", "Annihilators: Earthfall" #3", and "Secret Avengers" #21". Below you can find some of that art for New Avengers, Battle Scars and Secret Avengers. Head over to CBR to see the remainder and also to learn how you can get Axel to answer your questions.
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New Avengers #20---Right Click + View Image To Expand]
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Battle Scars #2---Right Click + View Image To Expand]
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Secret Avengers #21---Right Click + View Image To Expand]
Axel Alonso is American comic book creator, known primarily as an editor at DC Comics from 1994–2000, and at Marvel Comics from 2000 to the present. At DC, he edited a number of books published under their Vertigo line, such as Doom Patrol, Animal Man, Hellblazer, Preacher and 100 Bullets. As Senior Editor at Marvel Comics, he edited Spider-Man and X-Men related books before ascending to Vice President, Executive Editor in 2010, and Editor-in-Chief in January 2011, replacing Joe Quesada. He has also worked as a writer and inker.